ARLINGTON, Texas – Mike Scioscia said the Angels are hoping to “connect” with Josh Hamilton during this week’s trip to Texas, but the Angels manager seemed to have no idea whether that would happen.

The Angels will be in Houston, where they say Hamilton has been rehabbing, from Wednesday night through Sunday night.

“We’ll be down there and hopefully connect with him face to face,” Scioscia said. “We want to connect with him and see where everything is. Hopefully we’ll get a chance to see him.”

Hamilton, who self-reported a relapse of drug and alcohol use to Major League Baseball in February, has not been with the team since the start of spring training. He is also rehabbing from right shoulder surgery, and the Angels have said only that he’s now able to hit off a tee.

“It seems like as you try to get more clarity, it seems like it’s getting foggier and foggier,” Scioscia said. “We’ll see where this is and where it leads and just where Josh is. First and foremost, we’re hoping Josh is getting the help and support he needs.”

In the clubhouse, players seem just as confused by the Hamilton case.

“It’s weird for me,” Hector Santiago said. “This is my ninth season and it’s the first time I’ve seen someone on the DL not in the clubhouse. I have no idea (why). That’s why it’s such a weird thing. When we go to Houston is he allowed in our clubhouse? I feel like he’s part of the team, so why isn’t he here?”

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